Hopi Pueblo Female Social Dancer Katsina Doll Carving

There are several Hopi Pueblo carvings under the category of katsina dolls that portray non-katsina dancers, most often referred to as social dancers. They are accepted as katsina dolls by collectors even though they represent dancers, not katsinas. These female social dancers often resemble Momoyam or female katsina but are not. They are social dancers or members of women's societies.

Other non-katsina carvings include popular ones such as Snake Dancers, Apache Gaan Dancers, Kosahri Clowns, and the Buffalo Maiden.

This carving by Hopi-Tewa carver Ray Naha represents the female Buffalo Dancer. She does not wear a mask. Her face is covered over her eyes by her hair. She wears the traditional Hopi hand woven manta and white buckskin moccasins. On her head is a beautiful display of mixed feathers and a carved squash blossom. She carries feathers with both hands. She is tilting forward but not in a motion of dance. She stably stands unaided. The name R. Naha is painted on the left foot.

Ray Naha (b.1977- ) is from the village of Sichomovi on the Hopi Reservation. He is not to be confused with Raymond Naha (1930-1976), the well-known painter, who was grandfather of Ray Naha, for whom the younger Naha was named.

Naha started carving in his teenage years and is now known as one of the finest of carvers today. This carving is an excellent example of his earlier works.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Female Social Dancer Katsina Doll Carving is from the collection of a client from New Jersey

Reference: Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls by Barton Wright

TAGS: Daisy Hooee Nampeyo, Nampeyo of Hano, Annie Healing, Raymond Naha (1930-1976), Native American Paintings, Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls, Ray Naha